In a move that is hoped to save teams’ budgets, V8 Supercars has cut back the number of allotted testing days in 2013 from the originally allocated ten to six, a number which is still higher than last year’s four-day cap.

The increase in the number of days is largely due to the move to the ‘Car of the Future’ model, in order to allow teams to thoroughly test their new set-ups and iron out any issues with the new machinery. The days were to be utilised between August 1st, 2012, and December 31, 2013.

Currently, all teams have more than three days remaining, and the teams building their own cars have two extra ‘Accredited Car Manufacturing’ (ACM) days allocated.

One driver who supported the reduction in in-season testing was Jason Bright, who posted the fastest time in last week’s pre-season test day at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“Testing costs a lot more than you’d think. It obviously costs you track hire, wear and tear and accommodation, but the days in lieu that the guys don’t get after a race meeting because they’re preparing for the next test isn’t often taken into account. Testing that many times in a year is very hard on the guys.” the Brad Jones Racing driver said.

Perhaps this is a good move for the smaller teams, who may not have the capacity to test for all ten of the days.

Nonetheless, Nissan Motorsport is testing today at Winton Raceway, in preparation for the Adelaide Clipsal 500.

The season opener is coming up ladies and gentlemen… I hope you are excited!